Posted
Article written by
Hélène Quéau, spokesperson for the collective that signs the forum “So that reception is the rule, not the exception”, invites future elected officials to overcome their ignorance of the field by consulting the work carried out by researchers to allow the integration of all migrants.
“We welcome the mobilization that has taken place for Ukraine, on the other hand we would like it to become the rule”, explains Thursday, May 26 on franceinfo Hélène Quéau, director of the Mission France of Action against Hunger and spokesperson for the collective which signs the platform For reception to be the rule, not the exception published on franceinfo. The text pleads for a new bill that would facilitate the reception of refugees in France, while 85,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war benefit from the allowance for asylum seekers (ADA) in the country at present.
Hélène Quéau calls for applying the principle “unconditionality” for the reception of refugees. “We welcome the mobilization that has taken place for Ukraine, on the other hand we would like that to become the rule and that we think of all the people in search of protection”, explains the director of the France Action Against Hunger Mission. “However, what we all see on the ground, researchers as well as associations, is that for thousands of people, this welcome is not worthy.” Hélène Quéau thus speaks of asylum seekers “with very critical situations, either on the street or in precarious housing” and in some, “30% of respondents”situations of “severe hunger”.
This forum is primarily intended for future members of the National Assembly, who will be elected in the next legislative elections on 12 and 19 June. Hélène Quéau believes that there are “a lack of knowledge of the reality on the ground” concerning the reception of refugees. She therefore encourages future Members of Parliament to “look at the work that has been done by researchers, by organizations” because there is, according to her, “quick measures to live up to this dignified welcome”. The spokesperson for the collective of signatory associations of the forum mentions in particular the creation of “more accommodation places”, “more French lessons”. She also calls for “lift the waiting period for access to health care for people seeking asylum”.
According to the director of the France Mission of Action Against Hunger, the refugees represent an opportunity for France, particularly in economic terms. “Their desire is to contribute, via easier access to the labor market, via access to university training”she says. “It’s also a resource and an asset for us. I think that’s how we saw the arrival of Ukrainian people, let’s see it for all the people in need of protection.”